Kozhikode, Kerala – July 4, 2025 — In a chilling reminder of past health emergencies, Kerala has reported a fresh resurgence of the Nipah virus, triggering statewide alarm and swift containment measures. An 18-year-old girl from Kozhikode, who passed away two days ago due to acute encephalitis syndrome (AES), and a 38-year-old woman currently under treatment in Malappuram, have both tested positive for the deadly Nipah virus in initial tests.
The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune officially confirmed Nipah infection in the woman from Malappuram district on Friday, while the final result for the deceased teenager is still awaited. The girl had undergone a post-mortem at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kozhikode, and the doctors and medical staff involved in her treatment and autopsy have been placed under quarantine as a precautionary measure.
Two Cases Stir Statewide Concern
The 38-year-old patient, a mother of three hailing from Thachanattukara in Palakkad, is in critical condition on ventilator support at a private hospital in Perinthalmanna. She initially sought treatment at smaller clinics in Karinkallathani and Mannarkkad, complaining of high fever and neurological symptoms, before being admitted to the hospital on July 1 with signs of AES.
District Medical Officer Dr. R. Renuka confirmed that the woman’s condition remains serious, and medical teams are closely monitoring her health around the clock.
The sudden spike in suspected Nipah cases comes barely two months after a 42-year-old woman from Valanchery in the same district tested positive in early May. Though she survived, she is still undergoing treatment and recovery.
High Alert Across Districts
In response to the confirmed case and the suspected death, the Kerala government has declared high alert in Kozhikode, Malappuram, and Palakkad districts, launching a comprehensive public health response to contain the virus.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that Nipah virus protocols were activated even before the confirmation, reflecting the state’s experience and preparedness in handling past outbreaks.
Speaking to the media, the Minister said,
“We are treating every suspected case with the highest level of caution. Quarantine, contact tracing, and surveillance have already begun. We are committed to preventing the spread at any cost.”
26 Committees Formed, Police Assistance Sought
To manage and monitor the crisis efficiently, 26 specialized committees have been formed across the three high-risk districts. These committees are tasked with overseeing quarantine logistics, public awareness campaigns, emergency health services, and contact tracing operations.
Police departments have been roped in to aid in identifying and tracking the contacts of the infected individuals. Special helplines are being set up at both the State and district levels, and containment zones will be declared as necessary.
Public announcements have begun in villages and towns identified as part of the contact trace. All unnatural deaths in the past seven days across the affected regions are now under review for possible Nipah links.
Medical Community on Edge
The medical community is once again facing the challenge of containing a high-fatality virus. Nipah, a zoonotic virus transmitted from animals to humans, primarily through fruit bats, has a mortality rate of 40–75% according to the World Health Organization. The symptoms include fever, headache, respiratory distress, and brain swelling (encephalitis).
A senior health official from Malappuram told our reporter:
“The symptoms of AES are often early indicators. Quick detection is the only way we can save lives and stop further transmission.”
With no approved vaccine for humans, supportive care and isolation remain the only treatment strategy for those infected.
Community Cooperation Is Key
Residents in affected areas have been urged to report symptoms immediately, avoid consumption of fallen or half-eaten fruits, and limit unnecessary travel. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of early detection and isolation to break the chain of transmission.
“We need public cooperation now more than ever,” said a government spokesperson. “The virus can only be stopped with collective effort—this is not just a medical challenge but a social responsibility.”
Health Minister Veena George is scheduled to chair a high-level emergency meeting later on Friday with senior health officials and district collectors to finalize additional containment strategies and reinforce the medical response infrastructure.
As Kerala once again grapples with a potentially deadly Nipah virus outbreak, the next few days will be crucial in determining how effectively the state can contain the threat. Residents, meanwhile, are being reminded to stay vigilant, adhere to official advisories, and trust only verified sources of information.
